Author Question: During the assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices that his hands show tremors when ... (Read 131 times)

Lobcity · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

During the assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices that his hands show tremors when he reaches for something and his head is always nodding. No associated rigidity is observed with movement. Which of these statements is most accurate?

a. These findings are normal, resulting from aging.
b. These findings could be related to hyperthyroidism.
c. These findings are the result of Parkinson disease.
d. This patient should be evaluated for a cerebellar lesion.

Question 2

While assessing a 7-month-old infant, the nurse makes a loud noise and notices the following response: abduction and flexion of the arms and legs; fanning of the fingers, and curling of the index finger and thumb in a C position,

followed by the infant bringing in the arms and legs to the body. What does the nurse know about this response?
a.
This response could indicate brachial nerve palsy.
b.
This reaction is an expected startle response at this age.
c.
This reflex should have disappeared between 1 and 4 months of age.
d.
This response is normal as long as the movements are bilaterally symmetric.

Dnite · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Senile tremors occasionally occur. These benign tremors include an intention tremor of the hands, head nodding (as if saying yes or no), and tongue protrusion. Tremors associated with Parkinson disease include rigidity, slowness, and a weakness of voluntary movement. The other responses are incorrect.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The Moro reflex is present at birth and usually disappears at 1 to 4 months. Absence of the Moro reflex in the newborn or its persistence after 5 months of age indicates severe central nervous system injury. The other responses are incorrect.